Numbers
37,301
Total Area (In Hector)
9,600
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Fish: Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, tilapia
Birds: Egrets, herons, kingfishers, migratory ducks
Amphibians: Frogs and toads (bio-indicators)
Plants: Water Hyacinth, duckweed, algae
Ecosystem Services
Provisioning: Fish production, irrigation, domestic water,
Regulating: Flood control, groundwater recharge, microclimate regulation,
Supporting: Nutrient cycling, habitat for biodiversity
Cultural: Religious use, local recreation
Seasonal Hydrology
Monsoon: Water bodies fill and overflow, reducing flood risk,
Post-monsoon: Stable water levels, peak fish productivity,
Dry season: Shrinking ponds, higher pollutant concentration
Strongly influenced by rainfall and deltaic drainage patterns
Socio Economic Importance
Major source of livelihood through fisheries,
Supports agriculture irrigation,
Provides daily-use water in rural areas,
Contributes to local economy and food security
Wetland Converted
Rapid conversion due to:
Urban expansion (Howrah city fringe),
Industrial development,
Loss and fragmentation of ponds
Name of Wetlands
Information
Santragachi Jheel
Santragachi Jheel is the most prominent urban wetland in Howrah district, well known for attracting thousands of migratory birds during winter, including lesser whistling ducks. It serves as an important biodiversity hotspot within a highly urbanized landscape. The wetland plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge, flood buffering, and microclimate regulation. However, issues such as excessive growth of water hyacinth, pollution, and encroachment have affected its ecological health. Conservation efforts, including weed removal and habitat management, are being undertaken to restore its ecological balance and maintain its importance for avifaunal diversity.
The Saraswati River
The Saraswati River is a historic distributary of the Hooghly River flowing through parts of Howrah district. Once a major navigational and drainage channel, it has now significantly shrunk due to siltation, encroachment, and reduced flow. Despite degradation, it still plays a role in local drainage and supports limited aquatic biodiversity. The river is important for irrigation and local water use in surrounding rural areas. Restoration of the Saraswati River has been widely discussed to revive its ecological and hydrological functions, which would help improve water flow, reduce flooding, and enhance regional environmental sustainability..
Bagnan wetlands
The Bagnan wetlands comprise a network of ponds, low-lying agricultural fields, and seasonal water bodies in the rural parts of Howrah district. These wetlands are vital for local livelihoods, supporting fisheries, paddy cultivation, and irrigation. They also act as natural flood buffers during the monsoon by storing excess rainwater. The wetlands host a variety of fish, amphibians, and bird species, contributing to local biodiversity. However, increasing pressure from land conversion, agriculture intensification, and settlement expansion is threatening these ecosystems, highlighting the need for sustainable management and conservation strategies in the region..
Amta wetlands
The Amta wetlands are part of the extensive floodplain system in Howrah district, consisting of numerous ponds, canals, and seasonally inundated agricultural lands. These wetlands play a significant role in supporting fisheries and agriculture, particularly during the monsoon season. They help regulate water flow, reduce flood impacts, and recharge groundwater. The wetlands also provide habitat for birds and aquatic organisms. However, rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and land-use changes are leading to gradual wetland loss and degradation. Sustainable planning is essential to balance development with conservation of these ecologically important landscapes.